During every patient’s journey with a brain tumour, there is a need for both the patient and their family to learn as much as possible about this disease. Education is key to dealing with what can be expected during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Patient resource handbooks and support groups can play an important role in supplementing the information a patient receives from their medical team, but there is always more that can be learned.

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada hosts brain tumour information conferences in Halifax, London and Calgary. Brain Tumour Information Days are an incredible opportunity for families to hear more about brain tumours and learn directly from Canada’s top medical professionals. Brain tumour specialists are invited to speak at the events and present workshops and presentations that help to ease fears and shed light on the unknown.

In 2009, over 600 people attended the three Information Day conferences. The three keynote lectures covered a variety of important topics: Dr. Vivek Mehta discussed “The Peaks and Valleys of Brain Tumour Treatment” in Halifax; Dr. Peter Dirks presented an informative lecture on “Brain Tumours: A Stem Cell Disease” in London; and, Dr. Brian Thiessen spoke in Calgary about “Brain Tumour Basics”. So many other topics ranging from treatments to coping with fatigue, and from current clinical trials to seizure management and treatment were covered. Radiation, mindfulness-based cognitive theory, family resources, radiosurgery and pituitary issues were the subject of other presentations. Patients and caregivers were also able to connect with each other and listen to the Many Faces speakers share their inspiring stories of courage.

Brain Tumour Information Days are possible because of the people and organizations who give of their time and support. A very special thank you to the many volunteers who took time away from their busy schedules to help ensure the days were wonderful for all those who attended. Our sincerest thank you and appreciation goes out to Camp Triumph, Camp Trillium and volunteer, Kim Janssen who coordinated our Kids Konference program in Halifax, London and Calgary respectively. They provided activities for the children so that parents could attend presentations and workshops. Thank you also to the many community organizations across the country who participated in our Community Resource Fair providing attendees with important information about services and resources available in their local communities.

Another important aspect to the success of Information Days is the generosity of our national sponsors. We would like to thank Schering-Plough, AstraZeneca, Roche and WestJet for their incredible support of these days of hope and support. Thank you also to Kool 96.5 FM in Halifax for their local support of the Information Day program.

 For those who were unable to any of the Brain Tumour Information Days conferences, all three keynote lectures will be available on our website and in limited quantities by DVD complete with their simultaneously streamed overhead slides courtesy of Streaming Digital Media dot com. Selected PowerPoint presentations will also be available online as well as a selection of photographs taken at each conference.